Fifth fundraiser smashes target

Luke and Gemma Froude with Deirdre and Gerrard (8) Kelly from Benefit Street for Finnley's Day at Banbury Town Hall NNL-150102-122621009

Published:15:00Friday 06 February 2015

Share this article

A couple from Banbury smashed their fundraising target at their fifth charity day in memory of their son.

Gemma and Luke Froude raised £13,000 for SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents) in memory of their son, Finnley.

Finnley was born prematurely at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on January 29, 2010, weighing just 1lb 4oz, and despite being cared for in the neonatal care unit, he died aged four months.

The charity day, which was held on Saturday in Banbury Town Hall, brought their overall total to £74,000 over five years, smashing their £70,000 target. And making an appearance to help with fundraising was Deirdre – White Dee from television show Benefits Street – and son Gerard Kelly. Mrs Froude said the event was busy all day. She said: “It was amazing. We are chuffed with how much we’ve raised.”

Attractions included stalls selling children’s books, toys and crafts, tombola, a prize draw and an appearance by Princess Elsa from Frozen.

“She was one of the highlights,” Mrs Froude said. “Some of the children were starstruck by her and they were really excited, which was really sweet.”